There’s also two metres of cable between the solar panel and the first LED bulb, so check this provides enough distance if you need to position the panel in the sun and string the lights up in a shady spot. This string of solar fairy lights has 100 white LEDs along 10 metres of wire, which means they’re ideal for running along fences, or using to decorate eating areas. It has no flashing modes and is a reasonable price, towards the higher end of the lights in our test for one light, but it comes with a one-year warranty and the solar panel/bulb/battery unit is replaceable and available from a number of retailers for a small charge, making this elegant solar light a great sustainable investment. Great for a party or around an al fresco dining table the lantern can be stood on the ground or on a table or hung up from its handle. After this, turn it on and when the light levels drop it will flick on and provide up to six hours of bright light. It also doesn’t need any assembly, though you’ll need to charge it in a sunny spot in the off position for 48 hours. The bulb and batteries sit under the solar panel in the top of the globe and this simple unit is easily lifted out to turn the light on and off. Winner of a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy Award for Best solar lantern, this steel globe lantern has an antique bronze finish and an intricate Moroccan-style pattern that creates a beautiful display as the light shines through it.

Hanging solar lights